South Asia International Book Fair 2023 kicks off in Kathmandu

The South Asia International Book Fair 2023 (Nepal) was held Tuesday in Kathmandu, Nepal. The event received support from the China International Book Trading Corporation (CIBTC) under China International Communications Group (CICG), and the Nepal Contemporary Publishing House.

Guests attend the opening ceremony of the South Asia International Book Fair 2023 in Kathmandu, Nepal, Nov. 21, 2023. [Photo/CICG]

The opening ceremony of the book fair was attended by more than 300 representatives from the publishing and cultural sectors of China, Nepal and other South Asian countries.

Liu Dawei, vice president of China International Communications Group (CICG), delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the South Asia International Book Fair 2023 in Kathmandu, Nepal, Nov. 21, 2023. [Photo/CICG]

Liu Dawei, vice president of CICG, delivered a speech at the opening ceremony. He expressed his hope that the book fair would play a significant role in presenting the charm of Chinese and South Asian civilizations to the world. He added that books are an important way to promote cultural exchange and cooperation between China and countries in South Asia, with the book fair serving as an important platform.

With the theme of "Explore the Charm of Asian Culture and Literature," the fair attracted more than 30 publishing houses and think tanks from China, and more than 120 publishers from Nepal, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and other South Asian and neighboring countries.

Guests unveil the Chinese exhibition area at the South Asia International Book Fair 2023 in Kathmandu, capital of Nepal, on Nov. 21, 2023. [Photo/CICG]

The book fair featured three exhibition areas: China, Nepal, and other countries. CIBTC organized and designed the exhibition area of China, which presented more than 3,000 books in Nepali, English, Tibetan and other languages. These books covered a wide range of topics such as politics, economy, history, culture, art, science, literature, Chinese learning, and children's books. 

During the book fair, various events will be held, including book launches, book signing ceremonies, and thematic seminars. These events are expected to provide a platform for writers, scholars, readers, and publishers to exchange ideas and promote cultural communication.

Liu Dawei, vice president of China International Communications Group (CICG), presents a book to Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda at the South Asia International Book Fair 2023 in Kathmandu, capital of Nepal, on Nov. 21, 2023. [Photo/CICG]

People visit the exhibition area of China at the South Asia International Book Fair 2023 in Kathmandu, capital of Nepal, on Nov. 21, 2023. [Photo/CICG]